James named Leland police chief

Published: Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 10:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 10:00 p.m.

The Leland Town Council announced Thursday that interim police chief Mike James was hired on a permanent basis.

James, who was named chief on an interim basis on Feb. 27, has worked on keeping the department clear of controversy during his nine months in charge.

David Hollis, Leland's town manager, said James was hired in part to keep continuity in the department.

"He's certainly proven himself," Hollis said. "We had some very good candidates that we interviewed, some of similar stature, and we felt that having Chief James in the position would be best for the town at this time."

James will make about $68,000 as police chief and not receive an immediate raise as a result of his appointment. He replaces former chief of police Timothy Jayne, who was fired on Feb. 1 after a quarter of the department was either fired or resigned in 2011. Karl Smith, the first interim replacement, was later fired for his role in a workplace complaint.

Part of James' focus will be continuing to improve the department's standing in the community.

"We wanted to bring the community back and instill that trust and we've been working hard to do that and become a true community-oriented police department," James said, adding that they've tried to accomplish that by reaching out to various communities.

Belville Mayor Mike Allen, also a lieutenant with the Brunswick County Sheriff's office, endorsed James during Leland's meeting.

"I think I speak for the sheriff of Brunswick County, John Ingram, and myself and we look at it as a pleasure to work with (James) and we think we'll have an extremely close, personal relationship," Allen said.

Prior to James' announcement, Waterford residents spoke out against a text amendment that would allow developers to apply for a new zoning district, allowing developers to build apartments near their community. Peter Durso, a Waterford resident, presented a petition signed by more than 170 residents that opposed the ordinance on various grounds, including increased traffic, privacy and safety. Other residents complained that the possible amendment would permanently alter their community.

"This totally disrupts the plan that everyone who lives in this development saw when they were buying things," said John Kazmarski, a Leland resident.

The council tabled any decision on it until December's meeting, citing confusion about the amendment among the public,

<p>The <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9971"><b>Leland</b></a> Town Council announced Thursday that interim police chief Mike James was hired on a permanent basis.</p><p>James, who was named chief on an interim basis on Feb. 27, has worked on keeping the department clear of controversy during his nine months in charge.</p><p>David Hollis, Leland's town manager, said James was hired in part to keep continuity in the department.</p><p>"He's certainly proven himself," Hollis said. "We had some very good candidates that we interviewed, some of similar stature, and we felt that having Chief James in the position would be best for the town at this time."</p><p>James will make about $68,000 as police chief and not receive an immediate raise as a result of his appointment. He replaces former chief of police Timothy Jayne, who was fired on Feb. 1 after a quarter of the department was either fired or resigned in 2011. Karl Smith, the first interim replacement, was later fired for his role in a workplace complaint.</p><p>Part of James' focus will be continuing to improve the department's standing in the community.</p><p>"We wanted to bring the community back and instill that trust and we've been working hard to do that and become a true community-oriented police department," James said, adding that they've tried to accomplish that by reaching out to various communities.</p><p>Belville Mayor Mike Allen, also a lieutenant with the Brunswick County Sheriff's office, endorsed James during Leland's meeting.</p><p>"I think I speak for the sheriff of Brunswick County, John Ingram, and myself and we look at it as a pleasure to work with (James) and we think we'll have an extremely close, personal relationship," Allen said.</p><p>Prior to James' announcement, Waterford residents spoke out against a text amendment that would allow developers to apply for a new zoning district, allowing developers to build apartments near their community. Peter Durso, a Waterford resident, presented a petition signed by more than 170 residents that opposed the ordinance on various grounds, including increased traffic, privacy and safety. Other residents complained that the possible amendment would permanently alter their community.</p><p>"This totally disrupts the plan that everyone who lives in this development saw when they were buying things," said John Kazmarski, a Leland resident.</p><p>The council tabled any decision on it until December's meeting, citing confusion about the amendment among the public,</p><p>Adam Wagner: 343-2096</p><p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @adamwagner1990</p>